A distress program designed to help patients cope with the physical and psychosocial effects of cancer is making a difference and is changing the way health care professionals treat the disease.

Screening for Distress was developed at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and assists front-line staff to identify issues that negatively affect cancer patients and to find solutions to improve their overall well-being.

“While the physical symptoms of cancer are routinely addressed with medical treatment, the psychosocial and practical impact of the disease can go unattended,” said Linda Watson, Lead of Person-Centred Care Integration for Alberta Health Services. “Screening for Distress allows the patient to identify issues so meaningful support can be provided across the entire cancer journey.”

Experts say distress creates an unpleasant emotional experience ranging from vulnerability and sadness, to disabling problems, such as anxiety and depression and can also include eating difficulties, fatigue, financial worries or family concerns.

The program recently assessed 1000 patients and found that it:

  • reduced the number of cancer patients who worried about their appearance by 72 percent
  • reduced the number of cancer patients who reported feeling a burden to others by 60 percent.
  • more than 50 percent of patients felt less frustration and anger after participating in the program

Cancer patients in the program complete a questionnaire at various points in their treatment. That information is then collected and used to help staff to create a plan to mitigate or eliminate the cause(s) of distress.

“The program has helped to change the approach of health care professionals and how we treat our patients,” said Watson. “It opens up meaningful conversations, allowing patients to talk with front-line staff about what is causing them the most distress.”

“We know that in order to improve patient outcomes, all aspects of care must be addressed, including the emotional and mental well-being of a patient,” said Alberta Cancer Foundation CEO Myka Osinchuk. “We’re thrilled to know all Albertans facing cancer across this province have access to such an important tool.”

If distress goes untreated, it can interfere with the patient’s ability to cope effectively with the physical and psychosocial symptoms of cancer and its treatment.

AHS officials say about 16,000 cancer cases are diagnosed every year in Alberta.

The program was funded by the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

For more information on the program, click HERE.